Sudanese Mom Prevented From Leaving Sudan Again, Faces New Trial

Oh no. Meriam Yahya Ibrahim has hit yet another roadblock in her attempt to escape Sudan. This time, her own brother has petitioned for legal rights over her — even though they have never met each other.

Meriam Yahya Ibrahim, a 27-year-old doctor, is so close to freedom she can probably taste it. However, an estranged family member is now demanding that the Sudan government give him “legal right” over her. If his request is granted, he could prevent Meriam from leaving Sudan forever.

Sudanese Mom Prevented From Escaping Sudan Again

How sad. Just when we thought we would finally see Meriam travel into the United States with her American husband, Daniel Wani, things have taken a turn for the worse.

Not only is she now facing charges for allegedly falsifying documents to travel out of the country, but a man named Al Hadi has petitioned a Sudan court to grant him legal right over her — claiming to be her half-brother.

“He asked the court to rule that Meriam is his sister. This would give him a legal right over her,” her lawyer, Shareif Ali Shareif, told the Daily Mail. “But he does not have the authority to demand this right – it is only a father or a mother that can demand this legal status. He is doing this to prevent Meriam from traveling outside of Sudan.”

Her lawyer also revealed that Al Hadi is a very strict Muslim who publicly vowed to “execute” Meriam himself if he ever sees her in person.

Hopefully Shareif is right and Al Hadi will not be granted legal right over Meriam.

Meriam Spent 8 Months In Prison For Apostasy & Adultery

In May 2014, Meriam was found guilty of apostasy and adultery by a Sudan court. She was sentenced to 100 lashes for the adultery charge, followed with death by hanging for apostasy — her abandonment 0f Muslim faith for Christianity.

The adultery charges came because Sudan will not recognize her Christian marriage to Daniel, therefore her children have been born out of wedlock.

Meriam spent 8 months in a horrific jail cell, which is where she gave birth to her second child, Maya. In the meantime, she cared for her toddler son, Martin, in that very same cell.

Her husband, Daniel, was not allowed to take the children because he is a Christian.

Our thoughts go out to Meriam, Daniel, and their two children at this time. Hopefully they make a quick escape to the states.